Choosing the right VPN can feel like navigating a minefield.
Do you need a VPN that prioritizes speed or security? How do you even know which VPNs are trustworthy?
If you ask yourself these questions, you’re in the right place.
This post compares two popular VPN providers, Mullvad vs TunnelBear, to help you decide which is best for your security needs.
We’ll compare their features, security protocols, and logging policies so you can make an informed decision. Let’s dive in!
Overview
To give you the most accurate comparison, we’ve spent weeks testing both Mullvad and TunnelBear.
We’ve evaluated their performance in various areas, including streaming, torrenting, gaming, and bypassing censorship.
This hands-on experience allows us to provide real-world insights and help you choose the VPN that best suits your needs.
Ready to experience the internet with more freedom and security using Tunnelbear? Secure connection and unlock the new world!
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $3.33/month
Key Features:
- GhostBear
- Vigilant Mode
- SplitBear
What is Mullvad?
Have you ever heard of a VPN that doesn’t even ask for your email address? That’s Mullvad.
It’s all about privacy. There is no fuss, just a simple, secure connection.
You pay, you get a number, and that’s your account. They keep no logs, so your activity is your business. Plus, it’s super easy to use, even for beginners.
Take control of your privacy with Mullvad VPN! For just €5 per month, you can access over 800 servers in 40 countries and a strict no-logs policy.
Key Benefits
- Strong focus on anonymity: No email address is required to sign up.
- Open-source: Transparent and trustworthy.
- Strong security: Uses WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols.
- Accepts Bitcoin: For anonymous payments.
Pricing
Mullvad VPN has a simple pricing structure: €5/month. That’s it! No discounts for longer subscriptions.
Pros
Cons
What is TunnelBear?
Looking for a VPN that’s easy to use and fun? Check out TunnelBear.
This VPN is known for its friendly design and simple interface. Think cartoon bears and playful animations.
But don’t let the cuteness fool you; TunnelBear takes your online privacy seriously.
They offer strong encryption and have been independently audited to prove it. Plus, they have a free version, so you can try it before you commit.
Boost your online security and unlock the internet. Upgrade to premium for unlimited bandwidth and advanced features and ensure digital privacy everywhere.
Key Benefits
- Simple and intuitive: TunnelBear is designed with beginners in mind. Their apps are straightforward to navigate, even if you’ve never used a VPN.
- Free version available: Want to try before you buy? TunnelBear offers a free plan with 500MB of monthly data, a great way to test the waters.
- Broad device compatibility: TunnelBear has apps for all major platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and even your browser.
Pricing
TunnelBear keeps its pricing simple with two main options:
- Free: As mentioned, you get 500MB of data per month. Perfect for occasional use.
- Unlimited: Starts at $3.33/month (billed annually). This gives you unlimited data and access to all TunnelBear’s features.
- Teams: Starts at $5.75/month (billed annually). This gives you unlimited devices and a Premium VPN server.
Pros
Cons
Feature Comparison
Choosing the best VPN for you depends on your specific needs.
Let’s compare Mullvad and TunnelBear across seven key features to help you make an informed decision.
Security
- Mullvad: Employs AES-256-GCM encryption and supports secure VPN protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard. This ensures your internet traffic is encrypted and protected from unauthorized access.
- TunnelBear: Utilizes AES-256-bit encryption to secure your data. They also undergo regular independent security audits, confirming their commitment to a secure VPN service.
Privacy
- Mullvad has a strict no-logs policy. It doesn’t track your online activity, IP address, or connection timestamps so that you can browse with peace of mind.
- TunnelBear also maintains a no-logs policy. It doesn’t store information about your online activity, ensuring your browsing habits remain private.
Server Locations
- Mullvad Offers servers in 38 countries. While its network is not as extensive as other VPN service providers like NordVPN, it covers many popular locations.
- TunnelBear has servers in 49+ countries, which gives you a decent range of server locations for accessing geo-restricted content or optimizing your connection.
Speed and Bandwidth
- Mullvad offers decent speeds, but they might not be the fastest. However, they provide unlimited bandwidth for streaming and downloading without restrictions.
- TunnelBear: Speeds can be slower, especially on the free plan. The unlimited plan offers better performance but might not be the best choice for bandwidth-intensive activities.
Streaming and Torrenting
- Mullvad: Allows torrenting on all its servers. However, it may not be the best choice for streaming services as it struggles to unblock some platforms.
- TunnelBear supports torrenting, but its speeds might not be ideal for large downloads. It also has limitations regarding unblocking streaming platforms.
Free Trial and Free Plan
- Mullvad: It doesn’t offer a free trial or a free plan. However, they have a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
- TunnelBear: Offers a free plan with 500MB of data per month. This is a good way to test the service before committing to a paid subscription.
Extra Features
- Mullvad Offers split tunneling, allowing you to choose which apps use the VPN. It also has a bridge mode that can help you bypass censorship.
- TunnelBear includes a kill switch (VigilantBear) and a GhostBear feature that helps obfuscate VPN traffic. This can help bypass VPN blocks.
When choosing a VPN, consider your priorities. If privacy is paramount, Mullvad might be the better choice.
If you prefer a user-friendly interface and need a free plan, TunnelBear is worth considering.
What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?
- Strong encryption: Look for a VPN with AES-256 encryption, which is the industry standard.
- No-logs policy: Ensure the VPN provider doesn’t log your browsing activity or IP address.
- Server locations: Consider the number and location of servers offered. Choose a VPN with servers in the regions you need.
- Speed and bandwidth: Check if the VPN offers sufficient speed, especially if you plan to stream or download large files.
- Support for streaming and torrenting: If you need a VPN for streaming or torrenting, ensure the provider allows these activities and offers good performance.
- Device compatibility: Ensure the VPN is compatible with all your devices (computers, smartphones, tablets).
- Customer support: Choose a responsive provider if you encounter any issues.
- Price: Compare prices and features to find a VPN that fits your budget and requirements.
- Free trials and money-back guarantees: Use free or money-back guarantees to test the VPN before committing to a long-term subscription.
- Independent audits: Look for VPN providers that undergo independent security audits to verify their claims and practices.
Final Verdict (Our Pick)
So, which VPN comes out on top? For us, it’s Mullvad. Why?
Because it nails the most important things: privacy and security.
Mullvad has a strict no-logs policy, strong encryption, and essential features like DNS leak protection.
It’s also super easy to use and allows torrenting. While TunnelBear is a good option, especially with its free plan, Mullvad offers better overall value.
Remember, using a VPN is crucial in today’s digital world.
It protects your password, online activity, and personal information from prying eyes.
Whether you choose Mullvad, TunnelBear, or another provider like Proton VPN, ensure it aligns with your needs and priorities.
We’ve extensively tested these VPNs so that you can trust our recommendation. Take control of your online security and browse with confidence!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TunnelBear VPN safe?
Yes, TunnelBear is a safe VPN. They use strong encryption, have a no-logs policy, and undergo independent security audits. They also offer features like a kill switch and GhostBear to enhance online security.
Does Mullvad have a free trial?
No, Mullvad doesn’t have a free trial or a free VPN plan. However, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. This allows you to try the service risk-free and get a refund if you are unsatisfied.
Can I use a VPN for streaming?
Yes, you can use a VPN for streaming, but not all VPNs are created equal. Some VPN servers are better at bypassing geo-restrictions and unblocking streaming services. TunnelBear and Mullvad have limitations in this area.
What is the best free VPN?
While TunnelBear offers a free plan, it has limitations. The best free VPN depends on your needs. When choosing, consider factors like data limits, server locations, and security features.
Should I use a password manager with a VPN?
Yes, using a password manager with a VPN is a great idea. A password manager helps you create and store strong, unique passwords for all your accounts, while a VPN encrypts your internet traffic and protects your online activity. Combining both enhances your overall online security.
